Guinea Pigs and Rodents

Photos and edited by Susan Horton, DVM General Characteristics Chinchillas are rodents, characterized by their large hind feet, chubby round bodies, soft dense fur, large eyes and ears, long...

Taking Care of your Degu The degu (Octodon Degus) is native to the western foothills of the Andes.  It is the most prolific mammal in Chile, where it is considered an agricultural pest.  Since their...

High Ketones, High Glucose On Urine Dipstick Treat with a hypoglycemic such as fenugreek seeds/powder -up to 400 mg or 25 seeds are safe or Diabogen powder.. Use 50/50 Pedialyte/Water solution in...

Adapted from “Taking Care of your Gerbil” by Susan Leck, DVM, Dipl ABVP Photos and edited by Susan Horton, DVM Of the numerous gerbil genera world wide, the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)...

Kristin Claricoates, DVM Image Courtesy of Wee Companions In Southern California, people began reporting findings of extra-large guinea pigs starting in 2010.  Typically, shelters don’t contact...

by Susan Horton, DVM The guinea pig (GP) or cavy, Cavia porcellus, is the domesticated form of a rodent found native to the Andes Mountains of South America. In the sixteenth century they were...

by ​Susan Horton, DVM Hamsters are rodents that were initially introduced into the United States for research purposes and have gained popularity as pocket pets. The Syrian hamster, which originated...

​by Maggie Wood, DVM All photos and edited by Susan Horton, DVM Respiratory infections are one of the most common health problems of rats.  They can be caused by a variety of bacteria and...

Kristin Claricoates, DVM A cardiomyopathy is a descriptive condition where the muscles of the heart is abnormal.  There are four types of cardiomyopathies: “hypertrophic”, “dilated”, “restrictive”...

by Susan Leck, DVM, Dipl ABVP-canine & feline Edited by Susan Horton, DVM Domestic mice, Mus musculus, are primarily raised in captivity for the pet trade and as food for reptiles.  They are...

Kristin Claricoates, DVM  Odontomas are considered hamartomas in that they are composed of normal tissue arranged in an abnormal fashion. They occur in young animals during development of the...

By Kristin Claricoates, DVM   There are 5 species of prairie dogs, and the black tailed prairie dogs are the best known species.  Prairie dogs typically have a lifespan of 8-10 years in the wild,...

​by Jessi O’Connell, CVT Photos and edited by Susan Horton, DVM General Characteristics Pet rats are of the species Rattus norvegicus.  These nocturnal rodents are characterized by elongated bodies,...

Listed below are some nutritious foods for you to incorporate into your family member’s diet.  Nutrition plays a major role in the health and longevity of any animal.  Keep in mind that moderation...

Rodent Tumors Visible to Owners Kristin Claricoates, DVM   Mammary tumors: Mammary gland neoplasia (cancer) is the most common neoplasm of mice and rats, but is rare in gerbils and...

by ​Katy Parr, DVM Similar to humans, guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C so they must obtain it from their diet. Also known as scurvy, this disease is characterized by a breakdown of...